Cold War Opponents: MiG-15 and F-86A Sabre (Winter 2013)

The history of aviation and especially military aviation is closely connected with the conflicts across the globe.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 and North American F-86A Sabre

During the time when the Iron Curtain began dividing the world, the Soviet Union, and the United States both developed the fighters which would be competing on “the hot fronts” of the Cold War. MiG-15 and F-86A Sabre were the first jet warriors of the era.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 in Smithsonian

MiG 15 took to the sky for the first time in 1949 and very soon it was provided to all Soviet block countries. More than 18,000 various variants were produced in the Soviet Union and under the license. The MiG-15 was flying in the air forces of more than 40 countries.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15

This particular jet is an advanced model MiG-15 bis was taken in 1953 by the defecting North Korean pilot and “gifted” to the US Air Force. The jet was then extensively tested and analysed to find its weaknesses. The USAF offered to return the plane to its rightful owners, but the offer was refused. Consequently, this MiG was transferred to the Museum.

North American F-86A Sabre

The Sabre was designed at the end of the World War II and took to the sky in 1947. Its primary roles were as fighter interceptor and fighter bomber. During the Korea conflict, the F-86 was facing the MiG-15 and MiG-15 bis flown by the North Korean and “Chinese and Soviet volunteer” pilots. MiG 15 had an edge over the F-86A in the flying characteristics but the skills of the American pilots ensured the 10:1 kill ratio in Sabre’s favour.